Charlton Outclassed by Minnows

It's happened to many other teams, some far better than us, but it doesn't make it any easier to swallow.

Just like the boxing last night, David triumphed over Goliath, though in truth, it was difficult to tell who was supposed to be the 'Goliath' in the fixture.

Our 'proud' record of never having lost to a non league side disappeared 1-0 in the Cheshire wilderness this afternoon, after a toothless display from Charlton.

Northwich Victoria claim a rather limp prize of a home tie to Lincoln. At least it gives them every opportunity to progress onto the third round. I wish them well. They were by far the better team today.

We looked poor and second best from the off. By half time I was hoping we might hang on for a second crack at the Valley.
It was not to be.

Despite fielding what was rather worryingly a full strength team, Charlton found it impossible to break down a spirited home side who, on another day, could have scored 4 or 5.
Darren Randolph was by far the busier of the 'keepers. He was the only reason the score remained 0-0 for so long.

Parky removed Shelvey and McLeod and brought on McKenzie and Burton in an effort to turn it around. We looked stronger but still unlikely to score.

Unfortunately, a young 18 year old Northwich substitute, (isn't it always the way?) by the name of Riley managed to take his chance and tuck the ball past Randolph with only 9 minutes left to play.

 Semedo was sacrificed to bring on Wagstaff but nothing changed beyond the volume of the home support.

We have now lost two games in succession against unfancied opposition. When added to the 'no show' at Gillingham, it's clear that everything is not rosy in SE7.

The win against Huddersfield feels like ancient history now.

Despite geographical accuracy being unusual for football fan chants, Charlton were taunted as being "Just a small town in Welling" by the Victorians.
That may be very nearly the case but we will now also be famous for being on the receiving end of an F.A. cup giant killing from non league opponents.

I suppose it does mean we can, (ahem), 'concentrate on the league'.

With my sensible hat on, I will say that we were never going to win the F.A cup this season but we really do have an opportunity to win the Paintpot.

Parky really needs to make sure his team respond this week or it will be three losses out of three and a real loss of the feel good factor before the important visit of Franchise FC next weekend.

We have become used to setbacks at Charlton over the last few years.
Today is just another steaming pile to add to the list.